Today’s quick review: Intermission. John (Cilian Murphy), an underachieving supermarket clerk, grows jealous of his ex-girlfriend Deirdre (Kelly MacDonald) when she begins dating an older man. At the suggestion of Lehiff (Colin Farrell), a petty thief, John hatches a plan to embarrass Deirdre’s new boyfriend and get rich, all in one fell swoop. Meanwhile, Jerry (Colm Meaney), a self-important cop, seeks fame on a local television program.
Intermission is an unconventional crime movie with an ensemble cast and a decentralized storytelling style. Intermission follows a number of odd characters as their lives cross paths with one another. The movie has an understated but effective sense of humor in the Irish tradition, and it does a good job of placing its characters where they need to be. However, its mundane subject matter, complex plot, and slow build-up make it a mixed success.
Intermission has an expansive story with a handful of main threads. The movie jumps back and forth between a large cast of characters who are connected by friendship, acquaintance, and circumstance. Their various troubles form the moment-to-moment substance of the movie, while a larger storyline begins to emerge as the movie goes on. Clever segues help orient the viewer during the movie’s meandering beginning.
Intermission is a modestly entertaining and occasionally charming film. Its characters are well-acted, fairly likable, and believably human, and the movie does an excellent job of tripping them up just when they are getting ahead. The humor has a wry tinge to it that offsets its characters’ various failures. The plot’s actual substance is somewhat sparse, but it builds up to a satisfying finale that neatly ties up its many threads.
Watch Intermission when you are in the mood for a creative look at life and its foibles. Intermission does not have the impact that a more focused crime story or a more ridiculous comedy would have, but its unusual storytelling style, touches of humor, and good wrap-up make it a worthwhile watch. For a chaotic crime comedy with more punch, check out Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. For a black comedy with a similar sense of humor, check out In Bruges.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for decent writing and a sprawling plot.